Post traumatic stress disorder was included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-III (DSM-III) in the 1980s. Post traumatic stress disorder falls into the broad diagnostic category of anxiety disorders. But unlike most anxiety disorders post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can be traced back to a single or reoccurring traumatic incidence. The trauma may be triggered by natural disaster, for instance, fire, earthquake, flood, hurricane, etc. Or PTSD may be a response to; an act by individuals, rape, assault, war, torture, motor vehicle accident, etc.

PTSD may develop when a person is exposed to a traumatic event where they feel fear, helplessness or horror. After the event the victim may relive the experience through nightmares, flashbacks, and vivid memories. To manage their stress, the victim may avoid anything that reminds them of the traumatic event. Those who experience PTSD may feel a numbing of their emotions which can lead to relationship difficulties. They may experience disturbed sleep and intense feelings of guilt. In some instances, they are unable to remember specific details of the event. Typically, the victim is over aroused or vigilant, and is easily startled or quick to anger.

Survivor guilt is widespread among those suffering from post traumatic stress disorder. Survivor guilt is where the individual feels guilty because they believe their actions were not sufficient to assist the victim or they should have been the victim. The DSM-V suggests that statistically women are more likely to experience PTSD due to rape, sexual assault or domestic violence. Not all those who experience PTSD are the direct victims of a traumatic event. Individuals who are witnesses to a traumatic event may also experience PTSD.

Professional employees in the police force, fire brigade, health workers, armed services, and the state emergency services, etc., are also at high risk of developing PTSD. Statistically it is difficult to estimate the number of people suffering from PTSD in any community or worldwide. It is evident that individuals who are exposed to severe trauma are more likely to develop PTSD than those exposed to low level traumatic events. For instance, refugees from war torn countries fleeing persecution may experience chronic PTSD. Men may be the hidden victims of PTSD. Research suggests that men are predisposed to self medicate with alcohol and drugs rather than seek professional help.

There is strong evidence that it is the proximity to an event that may lead to the development of PTSD. Proximity can be understood in connection to the aerial bombing of London during the Second World War. Bombs were falling all over London but most residents were in underground bomb shelters. Research suggests that the Londoners who did not directly experience the bombing, did not go on to develop PTSD.

PTSD is the one disorder for which mental health professionals are sure of the cause. Someone experiences a trauma and then they develop a disorder. But the difficulty is in identifying who may develop PTSD after a traumatic event. It appears there is a combination of biological, psychological and social factors that may influence the development of PTSD. Some research has indicated that it may be the intensity of the exposure to events. For example, combat exposure contributed to PTSD for many Vietnam war veterans. In contrast 67% of prisoners of war from the Vietnam conflict developed PTSD. Which implies that for some reason the other 33% who also experienced long-term deprivation and torture did not develop PTSD.

PTSD is more likely to develop in individuals who have a vulnerability towards high levels of anxiety. This can be particularly true for individuals who come from a family with a history of anxiety. Other factors which may influence the susceptibility to PTSD is behaviour. An individual’s general behaviour may lead them into situations where they will experience traumatic events.

As similar to other anxiety disorders, the recommended treatment for PTSD is a combination of psychotherapy and medication. The medications Prozac and Paxil are effective in treating the symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder. Currently cognitive behaviour graded exposure therapy is recommended for the treatment of PTSD. Anxiety provoking psychotherapy has also been shown to be effective in the treatment of PTSD.

Chris has an open communication counselling style, friendly and professional. He quickly made me feel at ease and prepared to discuss openly and honestly the issues that came up in our sessions. He checked in with me when issues were potentially emotionally challenging and made me feel safe in our counselling relationship. He is quite intuitive and has introduced a range of counselling/therapy during our sessions. Including cognitive behavioural, relationship and psycho dynamic processes in the exploring my issues. He has very effectively facilitated exploration of my family narrative which has assisted my recognition and understanding of several important emotional experiences and challenges which I am currently understanding and addressing.

Narelle - Retail Manager

I initially first started to see Chris as I was struggling with health and confidence issues as a result of an accident and the end of a significant long term relationship. In the time I was fortunate enough to see Chris I was able to move from someone who didn’t really want to face anotherdayto someone who could and wanted to navigate through whatever lay ahead. Chris helped guide me through these events whilst challenging and supporting me to work through them. Most importantly he found a way to help me see the possibilities of a happier healthier future. He provided a safe environment where I could take off my victim t-shirt and move on.

Ian - Industrial Manager

Working with Chris has given me the skills to empower myself. I've taken control of my life to pursue challenges and rewards that give me personal satisfaction.

Matthew - Police Officer

Chris is a very warm caring person, he had a peaceful & comfortable presence about him. his insights, way of explaining and "unpacking" what's discussed is what makes him unique.The therapy he's conducted has been very beneficial.

Jealousy is often experienced within intimate relationships due to perceived infidelity by a partner. But what is jealousy? Jealousy has been defined as, the cognitions, emotions, and behaviours that follow a loss or threat to self-esteem and/or existence or quality of a romantic relationship,

How we communicate within our intimate relationships can contribute to our overall happiness. It is not only important to listen to one’s partner it is also important to develop speaking skills that increase connection and lower the negative impact of disagreements.

We have all experienced jealousy at some time in our lives. But what is jealousy? Jealousy has been described as a complex range of emotions that affect both men and women. Jealousy stems from a fear of being abandoned, and may include feelings of rage and humiliation.

There is a general belief that people who identify as asexual do not form romantic relationships. New research indicates that this is not the case. Lori Brotton of the University of British Columbia suggests that there has always been a general assumption that sexual attraction and romantic attraction happen at the same time.

We all know that the internet has changed the way we communicate and how we experience the world, but new research indicates that the internet may also be adding excitement to monogamous relationships.

How we give and receive feedback in romantic relationships may be an indication of our overall happiness. Research suggests that feelings of love, bliss, emotional connection, and physical attraction lie at the heart of how happy we are as individuals.

Are there any similarities between how same sex attracted couples and opposite sex attracted couples view relationships? Research indicates that same sex attracted couples may have very similar relationship desires and needs as opposite sex attracted couples.

During the 1970s and 1980s popular print media highlighted the importance of sexual pleasure and happiness for many in the western world. The emphasis was on liberating both men and women from the sexually oppressive 1950s.

After many years together couples may begin to feel that monogamy is slowly slipping into monotony. The once exciting sex life has disappeared under the weight of a mortgage, work, children, family commitments, and life in general.

Recent research has explored the effect of yoga on a person’s overall health. A lot of the focus has been on the physical benefits of yoga. This is particularly about the impact yoga may have upon the symptoms associated with osteoarthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome and lower-back pain.

Men generally tend to sabotage their chances of good health because they are too shy, too macho, too busy, or too afraid to ask for help. Statistically men visit their GP half as often as women but globally men die younger than women. In contrast men are more sensitive to mild ailments such as flu and tend to over-rate how bad the symptoms are in comparison with women.